Simple Civics: Greenville County

How are nonprofits dealing with growth in Greenville? In this episode, we sit down Tobin Simpson of Project Host and Catriona Carlisle of Meals on Wheels to learn how these leaders are rising to the occasion with creativity and collaboration. Discover the secrets behind their innovative approaches to fighting hunger, from serving up hot meals and social connections to empowering unemployed individ...

Partnerships between schools and industry are the best way to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow, and thanks to partners like Fluor, Greenville County Schools is offering cutting edge opportunities to students from preschool through graduation. Today, we talk with Katie Porter, Greenville County Schools CTE Innovation Center Director, Thomas Riddle, Assistant Director of the Roper Mounta...

Today we explore the making of Greenville's "Seen, Heard, and Valued" mural, a nearly 50-foot-tall artwork celebrating stories of hope from those who have experienced homelessness. We hear from the artist, Nick Burns ("Ninja Picasso"), Triune Mercy Center Facilities Manager Don Austin, and Triune Mercy Center Pastor Jennifer Fouse Sheorn about the mural's message and its role in sparking conversat...

Put more money in your pocket this tax season, and help your neighbors file their taxes for free! Today we're talking with Cody Carver, Director of Community Initiatives and Investments at United Way of Greenville County, about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and how it offers free tax preparation help to those who qualify. Find out if you're eligible, what documents you'll need...

The Reedy River plays a vital role in Greenville County's history and its ongoing development. Join us as we speak with Scott Butler, President of the Board of Friends of the Reedy River, to explore the river's geography, its role in economic growth, and the ongoing efforts to protect its health. We'll discuss the importance of environmental policy and how you can take action to help preserve this...

Today we hear from local officials about the realities of public service, revealing the demanding nature of their so-called part-time roles. Councilman Benton Blount, Councilman Karuiam Booker, and Trustee Anne Pressley share insights into the learning curve, community impact, and the importance of engagement in governance. Through their stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication re...

Today we talk with Jason Zacher on the Greenville Chamber's role in policy and advocacy in Columbia. We discuss the significance of community involvement in policy-making and the importance of personal advocacy in informing legislative decisions and how small businesses are often on the front lines of understanding pain points for residents and the business community at large. Links: Greenville Ch...

Today we interview three Greenville County student body presidents, exploring their perspectives on school pride, leadership, and community impact. These leaders from Greenville Senior High Academy, Carolina High, and Eastside High School share insights on their diverse schools, mental health, and community engagement in shaping a student's journey. Discover how these students are not just future...

Today we look at how you can have an impact by serving on local boards and commissions in the City of Greenville. Join us as we explore how residents like you can actively shape our city's future without running for public office. Councilwoman Dorothy Dowe shares insights on the importance, process, and rewards of civic engagement, highlighting the various boards and commissions you can join. Whet...

Today we look at the world of recycling with Wendy McNatt, Greenville County's Recycling Coordinator, as we uncover the realities of landfill waste and explore effective recycling methods. Learn about local options, correct practices, and the impact of your choices. Join us in committing to reduce, reuse, and recycle in 2024, as we strive for a cleaner, greener community. Take a listen to find out...

Happy 2024, Simple Civics listeners! We have a jam-packed election year ahead of us and wanted to give you a preview of things to come on the podcast. Expect in-depth discussions and interviews with key candidates, offering a closer look at the personalities shaping our political future. Tune in to learn about key voting dates, what we can anticipate in the 2024 elections, how to get involved, and...

In this episode, Liam McCormick discusses the importance of intergenerational conversations about family stories to build resilience in families and to prepare for the transfer of wealth. We look at the crucial, yet often overlooked, conversations about legacy within wealth transfer. McCormick offers unique strategies to bridge generational gaps, turning complex wealth planning into opportunities...

Discover what sets Taylors apart with Alex Reynolds, president of Taylors TownSquare. We delve into the community's unique identity and the role of Taylors TownSquare in fostering a sense of belonging. Whether you're a long-time resident, a curious neighbor, or just passionate about community dynamics, this episode offers a glimpse into the heartbeat of a community that's more than just a place on...

Municipal elections just happened in the six cities in Greenville County! Join us as we explore the varied voter turnouts in each city, decode the reasons behind these patterns, discuss the pros and cons of off-year election timings, and more. _ Produced by  Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of  Greater Good Greenville . Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible con...

Get ready for year end with strategies for charitable giving, maximizing your IRA and flexible spending accounting, giving to family and friends, and donating to a young person's 529 plan. We're joined by Caroline Van Hook with Elliott Davis and Gina Blohm with the Community Foundation of Greenville to explore savvy giving tactics and the interplay between charitable contributions and tax planning...

Greenville is a hub for both business and leisure tourists. How do we benefit from this, what challenges does the tourism and hospitality sector face, and what's next for our community? Tune into this episode with Heath Dillard, President and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC to find out. Links: Heath Dillard Bio. VisitGreenvilleSC annual report, 10-year destination strategic plan, and brand evolution. _ P...

In this episode, we're joined by Lindsay Zika, Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year, who shares her journey in education – a story woven through different cultures and countries and now rooted in Greenville Senior High Academy. We explore the profound influence of family and passion for language that propelled her into a career with multilingual learners.  Lindsay is interviewed by Cather...

It’s election day 2023 for the 6 cities in Greenville County ! Voters have the responsibility of getting to the polls if they haven’t already, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes for election officials, candidates, and campaign volunteers. This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look from pre-dawn to finalizing election results. Election Resources: Check Your Voter Registratio...

We've brought you candidate interviews for all Greenville County city elections. We hope you heard from candidates you'd like to support. Of course, your vote is the most important way to do that. But there are many more ways to get involved and multiply your impact. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about how to do that. Our producer, Nathaniel DeSantis, who is a newer voter, interviews Derek Lewis,...

Dive deep into the City of Mauldin's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from City Council Seat 6 candidate Mark Steenback. Discover why he is running for office, what he thinks are the biggest issues facing the City of Mauldin, his priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a lis...

Dive deep into the City of Travelers Rest's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from City Council special election candidates Jeffrey Hyten and Catherine Stanford James. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Travelers Rest, their priorities if elected, and more. We’...

Dive deep into the City of Greer’s upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from District 3 candidate Mark Hopper. Discover why he is running for office, what he thinks are the biggest issues facing the City of Greer, his priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share wi...

Dive deep into the City of Fountain Inn's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear Ward 6 candidates Mack Blackstone and Bill Smith. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Fountain Inn, their priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Pl...

Dive deep into the City of Simpsonville's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from Janice Curtis and Paul Shewmaker, who are running for Simpsonville City Mayor. You’ll also hear from Ward 1 candidates Erin Medlin, Chad O'Rear, and Skip Strong. Lastly, you'll hear from Ward 5 candidates Tim Pinkerton and Jermaine Smith. Discov...

Dive deep into the City of Greenville's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you'll hear from Michelle Shain and Mayor Knox White, who are running for Greenville City Mayor. You'll also hear from Dorothy Dowe, who is running for the Greenville City Council At-Large seat. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the big...